What is the story about?
Whether you dabble or dive headfirst into the world of NFL Draft prep each year, you’re probably familiar with the concept of “my guys” — essentially, the prospects you really like.
Traditional “my guys” tend to be non-blue chip types who you appreciate more than the consensus. They play the game the way you like and you keep returning to them when running your thousandth mock draft simulation of the week. They don’t necessarily have to be a great fit for your team. You get the idea.
Who are your “my guys” in this year’s draft?
I certainly haven’t
finalized my list yet, but there are a few names that stand out the most in this year’s draft:
- Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge — a mauling interior lineman who has shown some versatility in the pre-draft process and tested well at the NFL Combine. I think he’s the classic Day 2 guard who can start early and will stay in the league for a while.
- Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst — his small-school status is a concern in some ways, but it’s also keeping Hurst as a potential value pick later on Day 2. Hurst has intriguing traits with an impressive size/speed combination. Unlike Rutledge, he might not be an early contributor, but I don’t doubt he has what it takes to be an NFL starter someday.
- Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright — my favorite prospect so far in a convoluted group of tight ends beyond the top names in this year’s class. He’s big, productive, and an exciting (although fairly linear) athlete with great yards-after-catch ability. Plus, he brings something to the table as a blocker, separating him from the more role-specific Day 3 tight ends. Buy stock now!
- LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier — a “my guy” I’m not quite as confident in as the rest of the list, but there are sections of his 2024 season I still haven’t forgotten. That’s enough to make him stand out in a thoroughly “meh” quarterback class this year. His weight is a major concern — just 203 pounds — but his gunslinger traits and better-than-advertised arm talent are a lot of fun. He also dealt with a core injury throughout last season that likely played a part in his disappointing campaign. Don’t ask where he sits in my quarterback rankings as I’m not sure yet, but I could see Nussmeier developing into a Brock Purdy-type starter in the right system.
- Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange — a great potential value pick given how he seems to be ranked compared to similarly-talented prospects at his position. A big, strong nose tackle, Orange offers some traits that can help him contribute to a defense right away, but he’s flashy enough on tape to offer more upside beyond just being a situational run stuffer.
Who are some of your favorite prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!
